Venus in Libra: Where I Belong I'm Right

The Beatles song "Fixing a Hole" comes to mind with this weekend's astrology.

As you may know, we're in the era of a world transit—the Uranus-Pluto square. That's a long-term event, with effects that will span from 2010 to 2020 plus or minus a few years: a big one. Uranus is in Aries; Pluto is in Capricorn.

This year, Jupiter joined the mix. It's in Cancer, square Uranus and opposite Pluto. That's a pattern called a T-square—three legs of a square are filled, along the all-powerful cardinal cross—the signs that start the seasons, represent dauntless initiative and connect with the "personal is political" Aries Point.

Yet this setup leaves an empty spot, in Libra. This can feel like something is missing or out of balance. Especially with Libra being the missing leg of the cross, the whole theme of balance can be the missing element.

That is, until now. Venus arrives in Libra on Friday, August 16 at 11:37am. Not only will there be a presence in Libra, of a major planet—it's also the ruling planet of the sign. Just the mention of the words "Venus in Libra" is enough to make any astrologer's heart sing. It's a beautiful placement, but a powerful one too, which is a good thing.

It starts its journey with an opposition to the Aries Point. That alone is news, and it could really be news—any time a particularly strong planet makes contact with the Aries Point we might see a distinct effect in the world, and I am sure some astrologers are speculating that the demise of New York City's absurd "stop and frisk" policy sounds rather perfectly Venus in Libra.

But this story lasts a while. And I haven't said what it's a story about—except that it involves multifaceted Venus (affection, attraction, love, sex, creativity, attraction of pleasure and wealth) and a series of encounters with deep planets. Venus is in formidable company on the cardinal cross, and it will be making aspects to each of the planets already there. Said another way, Venus is passing through the Uranus-Pluto square, with the presence of Jupiter, which is also passing through the Uranus-Pluto square.

Here's how and why that's notable. The Uranus-Pluto square has a way of staying in the background, coloring the whole experience of existing within society in these years of our lives. Like all environments, it can be difficult to discern (ref: Marshall McLuhan: the environment is invisible). When another planet comes along and enters the aspect structure, as Jupiter has been doing, or as Venus is about to do, we can feel the background pattern more palpably because there is some contrast. In the case of Venus, there is an emotionally grounded, visceral, sensory presence that is calling attention to the slower-moving pattern.

Venus is one of the most useful planets, perhaps second only to Chiron. It bestows gifts, talents and practical abilities on every level; next to Chiron it's probably the most multifaceted planet, and unlike Chiron it doesn't come with quite the edgy feeling.

Venus is giving us an opportunity to engage fully with the Uranus-Pluto square on every level. If you know your chart, consider where Libra is, and that will give you a clue as to the most accessible ways for this to manifest. Said another way, Venus is giving us an opportunity to live and fully participate in the times we're alive.

We need no thought of the future or the past right now: we've arrived at the destination, at the crossroads, and at one of the most interesting parts of the journey all at the same time.

In terms of specific details, in case you're curious, here is the schedule of Venus aspects, which represent hot spots in the cycle. Remember, though, that this ride begins the moment that Venus ingresses Libra.

Venus ingresses Libra; opposite Aries Point on August 16
Venus quincunx Neptune on August 19
Venus square Pluto on August 24
Venus opposite Uranus and quincunx Chiron on August 26
Venus square Jupiter on August 27
Venus ingresses Scorpio on September 11
Venus (in Scorpio) square Mars (in Leo) on September 28